Inflammatory cytokine gene polymorphisms in gastric cancer cases’ and controls’ family members from Chinese areas at high cancer prevalence

The purpose of this study was to test the associations about Helicobacter pylori infection and polymorphisms of IL-1B-31/-511 and IL-1RN VNTR polymorphism with gastric cancer in cases’ and controls’ family members from the areas of high cancer prevalence in China. IL-1B-511T and IL-1RN∗2 were associated with risks of gastric cancer. The association strength reduced with the relative degree decreasing. Such association was not found in the polymorphisms of IL-1B-31. But the haplotype analysis of IL-1B-511 and IL-1B-31 genotype could enhance the risks of gastric cancer. The positive H. pylori status could increase the risks of IL-1B to gastric cancer.